New Testament

Revelation 12:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 12:2, the imagery of a woman in labor symbolizes a significant moment of struggle and anticipation.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

She was pregnant and cried out, experiencing the pain of labor as she prepared to give birth.

KJVKing James Version

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 12:2, the imagery of a woman in labor symbolizes a significant moment of struggle and anticipation. The woman is pregnant, indicating that something important is about to be born. Her cries and pain reflect the intensity of the situation, suggesting that the birth will not come easily. This passage can be interpreted as representing the challenges faced by the faithful in the world, as well as the hope of new beginnings. The labor pains signify the trials and tribulations that often precede great change or deliverance. The act of giving birth is a powerful metaphor for the emergence of something new, possibly the arrival of the Messiah or the establishment of God's kingdom. This verse emphasizes the dual themes of suffering and hope, illustrating that through pain and struggle, new life and redemption can emerge. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, there is the promise of new beginnings and divine intervention.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 12:2 to your life

This verse encourages us to remain hopeful during difficult times. Just as the woman endures pain before giving birth, we too may face challenges that lead to new opportunities. Trusting in God's plan can help us navigate our struggles with faith and resilience.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 12:2 mean?

Revelation 12:2 depicts a woman in labor, symbolizing a moment of struggle and anticipation. Her pain and cries reflect the challenges faced before a significant new beginning, possibly representing the arrival of the Messiah or God's kingdom.

What is the significance of the woman in labor in Revelation 12:2?

The woman in labor represents the trials and tribulations that often precede great change. Her experience of pain signifies the struggles that the faithful endure, but also the hope of new life and redemption that follows.

What does the phrase 'travailing in birth' mean in Revelation 12:2?

The phrase 'travailing in birth' refers to the intense pain and effort a woman experiences during childbirth. In this context, it symbolizes the struggles and challenges that lead to the emergence of something new and significant.

What themes are present in Revelation 12:2?

Key themes in Revelation 12:2 include struggle, anticipation, new beginnings, faithfulness, and redemption. The verse illustrates how pain and difficulty can lead to hope and divine intervention.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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